Overview & Reviews

Why are Honda vehicles so highly regarded by American drivers? Certainly, their excellent reputation for reliability and quality is a major factor. But it also has to do with the overall driving and owning experience. Read any Honda review and you'll likely notice common themes such as thoughtful design, a friendly nature, better-than-average fuel economy and attention to safety.

Japan-based Honda Motor Company was founded in 1948 by Soichiro Honda. The company got its start making motorbikes. Japan had been rendered cash poor and fuel-starved after World War II, and its citizens were hurting for an inexpensive, fuel-efficient mode of transportation. Honda's first motorcycles mated engines with bicycles to create a motorbike that was cheap to make and operate.

Honda's bikes quickly evolved into vehicles far more sophisticated than small engines stuck into bicycle frames. The manufacturer's 1949 D-Type could reach speeds of up to 50 mph, and offered front and rear suspension. The 1950s saw the launch of the successful Juno scooter, built to steal market share from the Vespa knockoffs that were popular in Japan at that time. In the latter part of that decade, Honda introduced the ultra-successful C100 Super Cub. The motorbike was remarkably easy to operate and featured a crossbar-free frame that made it popular with women. It went on to become the first Honda motorbike sold in the U.S. via then-new American Honda Co. in 1959.

By the early 1960s, Honda had built its first automobiles for the Japanese home market and entered Formula One racing. But it wasn't until 1970 that it exported its first car, the diminutive N600, to the U.S. The automaker initially had a hard time sparking interest among American buyers, but that all changed in 1973 with the introduction of the Civic. The car was larger than Honda's previous models even though it was still very petite compared to compact American cars. The Civic's high fuel efficiency (an important selling point given that decade's energy crisis) and affordability made it Honda's first American success story. By 1976, the Civic had been joined by the Accord, which quickly became a favorite with U.S. consumers as well.

By the 1980s, Honda's success and its reputation as a maker of well-built reliable cars and motorcycles continued to grow. It began building Accords in the U.S. in 1982 and by 1989 had earned the distinction of making America's most popular car. This was also the decade in which Honda created the Acura brand as a way to sell more upscale and luxurious vehicles. Throughout this decade and into the 1990s, the Civic and Accord were huge sellers and considered class benchmarks. Also during this time, Honda continued to innovate through such technologies as variable valve timing, aluminum body construction and improved safety features.

Today, Honda's lineup runs the gamut. Included are fuel-sipping hybrids, a spacious minivan, reliable family sedans, practical SUVs and even a pickup. Although the latest Civic and Accord aren't quite the benchmarks they once were for their respective classes, Honda's brand as a whole continues to be one of the most well respected in the industry, with millions of loyal and satisfied customers.

User Reviews:

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  A little disappointed - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Steve - April 15 - 4:53 pm

  I have a red 08 V6 coupe. Noticed paint chipping around the rear tail lights and front lights. Had to have dealer remove lights, sand down edges, paint and reinstall. Driver side door handle sticks and dealer states there is no adjustment. Auto-transmission down-shifts abruptly, a lot of rattles and wind noise. Fit and finish is not typical Honda. If I were to buy again, Id look at the Infiniti G-37.

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  Drives Like A Car Works Like a Truck - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By CB - April 15 - 4:06 pm

  Ive had my Ridgeline for almost a year and it has been my favorite vehicle so far. It is fun to drive and handles more like a car. It has been very steady on snow and ice. When driving across country, I felt relaxed and comfortable all day long. I wish the gas mileage was better for this V6, yet overall I am very satisfied.

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  You get what you pay for - 2007 Honda Element
  By jas224 - April 15 - 3:44 pm

  I bought a 4WD LX model a little over a year ago. This is my fourth Honda and it is a disappointment compared to my previous Accords. I cannot see the tach or speedometer in bright sunlight even with the instrument lights on. This is just bad design. The drivers seat has a wear hole in it after 15K miles. The interior plastic is cheap and scratches easily. This is a vehicle built to a low price and it shows.

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  Family Van - 1997 Honda Odyssey
  By jim - April 15 - 12:55 pm

  Gas oil new brake shoes and tires. Thats about it for 200k + mi. absolutely no problems always starts first crank of the key and better than 20 mpg no matter what you do - what more can you ask for?

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  Great car for my daughter - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By B Wasserman - April 15 - 12:03 pm

  I bought this car for my daughter in college but since she is far away we have been driving it till she gets home. It is an easy car to enjoy the inside is extremly comfortable and easy to locate all devices. The drive is soft but not too soft. It handles well.

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  Its a great Fit - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Ken & Adele Stewart - April 15 - 7:16 am

  We searched various brands and many styles of small cars. We were looking for something roomy inside yet small and very fuel efficient. The Honda Sports Fit fills and exceeds all our expectations. We have used three tanks of gas so far, 1st tank 28.9 mpg, 2nd tank 30.01 mpg, and 3rd tank 30.08 mpg in town, stop and go driving. The Fit is fun to drive. It corners great. The acceleration is faster than I expected from a small car. A perfect fit for my 62" size. We have received many compliments on the Fit from friends and strangers. I feel it is impossible to give too much praise for the Sport Fit. It is truly a perfect Fit for our needs.

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  I love this suv like I do my Ford 350SD - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Beth - April 14 - 7:42 pm

  I put a dvd/game player in the back with 4 headsets etc. The family loves it. I love the nav. I get 19 miles a gal. This has been my favorite next to my Ford 350SD diesel dully truck. It drives great. Ive had it a year. I am always in a hurry, so it is easy to drive. My daughter has learned to drive in it. I plan on keeping this car until it falls apart. I cant say that about many cars Ive had over the years. I hall 4 kids and groceries around and still have room. It is smaller than our conv. van and trucks but it is nice for my life style. I love this SUV. Its a keeper.

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  A Perfect "FIT" - 2007 Honda Fit
  By nate77 - April 14 - 7:30 pm

  This car is great around town or on the highway. Very fun to drive, especially in manual mode with the paddle shifters. Good audio system. Great hybrid or small SUV alternative!Seats are attractive and comfortable. All controls are easy to find and have a certain panache to them-especially the gauge cluster with looks like it belongs in a much more expensive car. Love the leather wrapped steering wheel too! Great car for the money. Interior layout with the "magic seats" are just that-magic! The exterior looks, although a little funky, grows on you with time and the car is much better looking in person than in photographs. A very fun car! I look forward to many years of economical driving.

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  Good Car - 1994 Honda Civic
  By Jaylee - April 14 - 1:45 pm

  Good car, great gas mileage. Would be a great car to send your kid off to college in. Not so great for a family of 4, though!

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  Good Value - 2007 Honda Fit
  By kinjitas - April 14 - 12:46 pm

  Read about how great the handling, space utilization and build quality in this car before I bought it. Was concerned about acceleration and design/features being dated. Car has met or exceeded my expectations in everything, is fun to drive, and I would recommend it to others looking for a good car in this price range. Also own a 2006 Civic which is a more recent design and wish some of the features (steering wheel radio controls, better road vibration isolation, sunroof, ULEV engine, better dash layout, and better soundproofing) were incorporated into the FIT. Overall, the Fit is a fine car and I have no regrets on my purchase.